JP2005324867A - Dispenser sump - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a dispenser sump suitable to be placed at the bottom of a fluid component. <P>SOLUTION: This sump for a distribution unit is placed at the bottom of the footprint of the unit and is a passage for guiding an electric cable or an accessary communication line to the neighborhood of a drip opening. The receiving structure of the cable or the line leads the cable and/or the line to the unit from the underneath of the foot print of the unit without creating a potential leak path into or to the outside of the sump. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention is directed to a sump, and more specifically to a sump that collects drip from a liquid dispensing component. The present invention relates to a sump having a passage for leading an electric wire or other attached communication line in a drip area under a liquid fuel dispenser, such as a fuel dispenser of the type normally used for selling fuel at a gas station or the like. Will be specifically disclosed in connection with.

  In a typical automotive fuel supply, fuel is routed to ground distribution pumps via a network of underground tanks, pipes, fittings, sumps and dispensers. Some sumps used in these networks are also located below ground distribution units. These sumps preferably fit perfectly under the housing for the above-ground distribution unit and function to prevent soil contamination from dripping from any component in the above-ground distribution unit.

  In order to reduce the risk of soil contamination, it is desirable, if not essential, that the sump located below the distribution unit on the ground receives all of the fuel that can leak or drip from the distribution unit. For this reason, the sump opening is large enough to completely cover the potential dripping area under the dispensing unit. From an economic point of view, it is desirable not to make the sump too large. Accordingly, the sump is typically designed appropriately with an opening sized and shaped to match the housing footprint of the dispensing unit (ie, the size of the sump opening). The shape and the shape correspond to the area where dripping can occur.

  Also, components within the ground distribution unit are preferably powered from below the unit. In the prior art, this is achieved by guiding the wire conduit through the sump sidewall and out of the sump through the top opening used for drip collection. . This method has the advantage of directing electrical wires or other attached communication lines to the distribution unit under the housing, but the communication line passage through the sump wall allows the recovered fuel to exit the sump. A potential leak path is formed by leaking and / or groundwater leaking into the sump. This problem has been partially solved by using a seal at the point of introduction of such a line into the sump.

  However, the installation and use of such seals adds cost. Moreover, such seals are subject to deterioration over time, and even if high quality seals are used, sometimes leakage occurs.

  Accordingly, the present invention provides, as one aspect thereof, a sump that overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art. In particular, one aspect of the present invention is to collect all drip from a fluid treatment component while at the same time connecting an attached communication line to a predetermined without introducing (forming) a potential leak path into or out of the sump. It is to provide a sump that can be guided under the footprint.

  Additional aspects, advantages, and novel features of the present invention will be set forth in the detailed description that follows and will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon testing or practice of the invention. The aspects and advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

To achieve the above and other aspects, a dispenser sump suitable for placement under a fluid treatment component is provided in accordance with the objects of the invention described herein.
The sump includes a containment structure having a bottom wall structure and at least one sidewall structure. The bottom wall structure and the at least one sidewall structure cooperatively define an internal cavity in a containment structure capable of containing fluid. The sidewall structure further defines a drip opening on the opposite side of the bottom wall structure. The drip opening defines a predetermined drip area for receiving a fluid drip and is adapted to be positioned below the footprint of the fluid treatment component.
A passage is provided to enter the space defined by the containment structure, and the passage terminates in proximity to the drip region defined by the opening. The passage is separated from the internal cavity and is adapted to receive an attached communication line and guide it under the footprint of the fluid treatment component.

  According to one specific form of the present invention, the passage is formed by a recess (concave portion) provided in the side wall structure of the containment structure, and the recess extends vertically from a position below the dropping opening to the dropping opening. Extend.

  In another aspect of the invention, the recess forming the passage includes a longitudinal open side extending to the outside of the containment structure.

  In another specific form of the present invention, the recess extends into the dropping region, and both the recess and the dropping region have a substantially rectangular shape.

  In one specific form of the present invention, the passage extends vertically from the bottom wall structure to a position close to the dropping opening.

  In another specific form of the invention, the predetermined drop region has a generally rectangular shape.

  In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the recess in the side wall structure forming the passage includes an opening extending to the outside of the containment structure.

  In another specific form of the present invention, the passage extends from a position close to the opening, but does not reach the bottom wall structure.

Yet another aspect of the invention includes a dispenser assembly comprising a liquid fluid dispenser and a dispenser sump.
The liquid fluid dispenser includes a housing having an interior region and a footprint of a predetermined size and shape. At least one liquid dispenser component is disposed within the interior region of the housing.
The dispenser sump is disposed under the housing and includes a containment structure. The containment structure includes a bottom wall structure and at least one sidewall structure. The bottom wall structure and at least one sidewall structure cooperate to define an internal cavity in a containment structure capable of containing fluid. The at least one sidewall structure further defines a drip opening on the opposite side of the bottom wall structure. The drip opening defines a drip region that is sized and shaped to correspond to the footprint of the housing. The drip opening is disposed below the housing footprint and functions to receive drip from the at least one liquid dispenser component.
A passage is provided to enter the space defined by the containment structure and terminates proximate to the drip area defined by the opening. The passage is separated from the internal cavity of the containment structure.
At least one attached communication line extends through the passage and exits the containment structure from below the footprint of the housing to the at least one liquid dispenser component.

  In another aspect of the present invention, the passage is formed by a recess provided in at least one side wall structure of the containment structure, and the recess extends vertically from a position below the dropping opening to the dropping opening.

  In another aspect of the invention, the recess forming the passage includes a longitudinally extending open side (ie, a longitudinal open side) that extends outside the containment structure.

  In one preferred form of the invention, the openings defining the footprint and drip area of the housing have a matching square shape and size.

  In one particularly preferable embodiment of the present invention, the dropping region and the recess provided so as to enter the dropping region each have a substantially rectangular shape.

  In one specific form of the invention, the passage extends vertically from the bottom wall structure to a position proximate to the drop opening.

  In another specific form of the invention, the passage may be formed by a recess in at least one sidewall structure of the containment structure. The passage can also extend into the dripping region.

  In one specific form of the invention, the passage includes an opening to the exterior of the containment structure.

  In one alternative form of the invention, the passage extends from a position close to the opening, but does not reach the bottom wall structure.

In yet another aspect of the invention, a dispenser sump adapted to accommodate an attached communication line is provided.
The dispenser sump includes a containment structure having a bottom wall structure and at least one sidewall structure. The bottom wall structure and the at least one sidewall structure cooperate to define an internal cavity in a containment structure capable of containing fluid. The sidewall structure further defines a drip opening on the opposite side of the bottom wall structure. The drip opening defines a predetermined area for receiving a fluid drip and is adapted to be placed under a footprint of a fluid treatment component.
An attached communication line receiving structure is disposed in the vicinity of the dropping opening. The receiving structure is adapted to receive an attached communication line disposed outside the containment structure and is adapted to guide the attached communication line to a position proximate to the drip region.

  The following detailed description will be more fully understood in view of the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a prior art fuel distribution network for a typical fuel outlet, representing the various components of the network for distributing fuel from an underground storage tank to an above-ground dispenser.

  FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a typical prior art sump located under a ground fuel dispenser.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a fuel distribution fluid distribution network similar to the fuel distribution fluid distribution network represented in FIG. 1, but showing a sump constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

  FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the sump shown in FIG.

  FIG. 5 is a front view of the sump of FIGS. 3 and 4.

  FIG. 6 is a top view of the sump of FIGS.

  FIG. 7 is a side view of the sump of FIGS.

  FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a sump constructed in accordance with the essence of the present invention.

  FIG. 9 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a sump constructed in accordance with the essence of the present invention.

  FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of a sump that represents the opening of the sump constructed in accordance with the essence of the present invention and located below the footprint of the distribution unit on the ground.

  The embodiments described in the drawings are illustrative in nature and are not intended to limit the invention as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, the individual features of the drawings and invention will become more fully apparent and understood in view of the detailed description provided herein.

  Referring to the drawings, and in particular to FIG. 1, a prior art network of fluid distribution components of the type typically found in a fuel sales office is shown. The network includes an underground storage tank 10 from which gasoline or other fuel is pumped and provided to a fuel delivery pipe 12. As shown in FIG. 1, the fuel delivery pipe 12 is located at an underground location below the drive surface 14 of the sales office. The fuel delivery pipe 12 is terminated at a T-shaped connector 16 disposed in an underground sump 18. The T-shaped fitting 16 directs fuel flow from the underground storage tank 10 to the riser pipe 20 below the distribution unit 22 above the ground and to a further delivery pipe 24. The delivery pipe 24 directs fuel to a connector 26 in a sump 28 located below a further ground distribution unit 30.

  As more clearly shown in FIG. 2, an attached communication line 32 (eg, an electrical wire may be included) may pump electrical energy and / or a corresponding ground distribution unit (eg, the fuel distribution unit shown in FIG. 1). 30) may pass through the side wall of the sump 28 for provision to other motorized components disposed therein. To prevent fluid from flowing through the side wall opening, the attached communication line 32 is surrounded by a seal 34 as the attached communication line 32 passes through the side wall opening.

  Seals such as seal 34 have been successful in sealing leaks into or out of sumps in the prior art. Unfortunately, however, such seals and their introduction increase the cost of sump 28. Furthermore, such seals have not been fully successful with regard to preventing leaks, especially after time and exposure to environmental influences.

  Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown an improved sump / dispenser assembly constructed in accordance with the essence of the present invention. Like the network of pipes represented in FIG. 1, the network of FIG. 3 includes an underground storage tank 40 from which gasoline or other fluid is pumped and provided to the delivery pipe 42. The delivery pipe 42 sends this fluid to a connector 44 located in the sump 46. The fluid is sent from the connector 44 through the riser 48 to the distribution unit (eg, fuel distribution unit 50). Also, fluid is routed from the connector 44 to a further distribution unit (eg, fuel distribution unit 54) through the delivery pipe 52 and through the connector 56 and the further riser 58, both located in the sump 60. It is done.

  The sump of FIG. 3 does not include side wall openings for wires or other attached communication lines, unlike the prior art sump represented in FIGS. One exemplary embodiment of sump 60 is shown in more detail in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the sump 60 includes a storage structure that is uniformly designated by the numeral 62. The storage structure 62 includes a plurality of side wall structures collectively referred to by numeral 64 and a bottom wall structure 66. The bottom and sidewall structures 66, 64 cooperate to define an internal cavity 68 in a containment structure 62 that can contain fluid. That is, the bottom and sidewall structures 66, 64 define an internal cavity 68. The side wall structure 64 specifically shown in FIG. 4 is arranged so that the cross-sectional shape of the containment structure is a substantially quadrangular shape. In the illustrated example, the shape is generally rectangular.

  The sump 60 has an opening 70 in the vicinity of the top thereof and on the side opposite to the bottom wall structure 66. As shown in FIG. 3, the opening 70 is configured to have a size and shape that substantially matches the size and shape of the footprint of the fuel distribution unit 54. One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that opening 70 accepts drips from fluid treatment components in fuel distribution unit 54. Since it is essential that any drips from the fuel distribution unit 54 be accommodated in the sump 60 so that the drips do not contaminate the soil, the drip area defined by the opening 70 is the fuel distribution unit 54. It is desirable to completely or at least substantially encompass the entire footprint.

  In the specifically illustrated sump 60, as best shown in FIG. 5, the sidewall structure 64 separates the containment structure 62 into three separate parts (ie, a lower part 64a, an intermediate part 64b and an upper part 64c). It can be seen that they all have a generally rectangular cross section.

  In accordance with the present invention, the sump 60 includes an attached communication line receiving structure for receiving an electrical wire or other attached communication line and directing it to a position proximate to the drip region defined by the opening 70. This is achieved in the embodiment of the present invention specifically illustrated through the action of a passage 80 extending (ie, provided to enter) into the space defined by the containment structure 62.

  In the specific examples shown in FIGS. 4 to 8, the passage 80 extends from the bottom wall structure 66 to a position close to or adjacent to the dropping opening 70. The passage 80 is positioned and / or formed in view of the drip opening 70 so that any drips from the fluid processing components in the fuel distribution unit do not enter the passage 80 and rather can be directed to the drip opening 70. It will be understood.

  In this illustrated embodiment, the passage 80 is formed by a recess that is open on one or more of the sidewall structures 64. As shown, the passage 80 has a generally rectangular shape, specifically, a rectangular shape, and includes an open side surface that extends to the outside of the storage structure 62. The passage 80 is separated from the internal cavity 68 defined by the bottom and sidewall structures 66, 64.

  As illustrated in FIG. 5, the passage 80 connects electrical wires and / or other attached communication lines 32 (eg, for powering components in the fuel distribution unit 54) of the containment structure 62. It is possible to feed into the area under the footprint of the dispensing unit 54 without penetrating either the side walls or the bottom structures 64, 66.

  4 to 7, the passage 80 has a shape that converges from the bottom to the top of the containment structure 62. With this shape, the communication line can be bent gradually and gradually. As another specific example, a shape in which the passage 80 does not converge is shown in FIG. The passage 80 in FIG. 8 is formed by a recess in which a side surface having a rectangular cross section in the side wall structure 64 is opened, like the passage 80 in the specific examples of FIGS. 4 to 7. However, unlike the passage 80 of FIGS. 4-7, the cross-sectional shape of the passage 80 of FIG. 8 is substantially constant from the bottom structure 66 to a position proximate to the drip region defined by the opening 70.

  FIG. 9 illustrates another embodiment that is similar to the embodiment of FIG. 8, in which the passage 80 has a generally constant cross-sectional shape and includes electrical wires and / or other attached communication lines. It is similar to the embodiment of FIG. 8 in that it extends to a location proximate to the drip region defined by the opening 70 for delivery under the footprint of the fuel distribution unit 54. On the other hand, the passage 80 of FIG. 9 differs from the specific example of FIG. 8 in that the passage 80 does not reach the bottom wall structure 66 (does not extend). Instead, in this latter embodiment, the wires and / or other attached communication lines enter a space defined by the containment structure 62 at a location intermediate the bottom wall structure 66 and the drip opening 70.

  FIG. 10 illustrates a sump 62 disposed below the footprint of the fuel distribution unit 54 and illustrates the electrical wire 32 that is routed through the passage 80 to the liquid fuel distribution component 84 in the fuel distribution unit 54. It can be seen that the footprint of the fuel distribution unit 54 is generally defined by the outer shell 54 a of the fuel distribution unit 54.

  The specific descriptions and examples set forth herein are merely exemplary in nature and are not intended to limit the invention defined by the claims. Further embodiments and examples will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of this specification and are intended to be included within the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims.

1 is a schematic diagram of a prior art fuel distribution network for a typical fuel sales office representing the various components of the network for distributing fuel from an underground storage tank to an above-ground dispenser. 1 is an enlarged view of a typical prior art sump located under a ground fuel dispenser. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a fluid distribution network for a fuel sales office similar to the fluid distribution network for a fuel sales office represented in FIG. 1, but showing a sump constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. It is an expansion perspective view of the sump represented in FIG. It is a front view of the sump of FIG.3 and FIG.4. FIG. 6 is a top view of the sump of FIGS. It is a side view of the sump of FIGS. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a sump constructed in accordance with the essence of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a sump constructed in accordance with the essence of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of a sump that represents the opening of the sump constructed in accordance with the essence of the present invention and disposed below the footprint of a distribution unit on the ground.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Storage tank, 12 ... Fuel delivery pipe, 14 ... Drive surface, 16 ... Connector, 18 ... Sump, 20 ... Rise pipe, 22 ... Distributing unit, 24 ... Delivery pipe, 26 ... Connector, 28 ... Sump, 30 ... Fuel distribution unit, 32 ... Communication line (wire), 34 ... Seal, 40 ... Storage tank, 42 ... Delivery pipe, 44 ... Connector, 46 ... Sump, 48 ... Rise pipe, 50 ... Fuel distribution unit, 52 ... Delivery Pipe, 54a ... outer shell, 54 ... fuel distribution unit, 56 ... connector, 58 ... riser pipe, 60 ... sump, 62 ... containment structure, 64a ... lower part, 64b ... middle part, 64c ... upper part, 64 ... side wall structure , 66 ... Bottom wall structure, 68 ... Internal cavity, 70 ... Drop opening, 80 ... Passage, 84 ... Liquid fuel distribution component

Claims (19)

A dispenser sump adapted to be placed under a fluid treatment component,
A containment structure including a bottom wall structure and at least one sidewall structure, the bottom wall structure and at least one sidewall structure cooperatively defining an internal cavity within the containment structure capable of containing fluid. The sidewall structure further defines a drip opening on the opposite side of the bottom wall structure, the drip opening defines a predetermined drip area for receiving a fluid drip, and the drip opening is defined by a fluid treatment component. A containment structure adapted to be placed under the foot point; and
A passage provided to enter a space defined by the containment structure and terminating proximate to a drip region defined by the drip opening, separated from the internal cavity, and receiving an attached communication line; A passage adapted to lead under the footprint of the fluid treatment component;
Dispenser sump with.   The dispenser sump according to claim 1, wherein the passage is formed by a recess in at least one side wall structure of a containment structure extending vertically from a position below the dripping opening to the dripping opening.   The dispenser sump according to claim 2, wherein the recess forming the passage includes a longitudinal open side extending outside the containment structure.   The dispenser sump according to claim 3, wherein each of the recesses provided so as to enter the dropping region and the dropping region has a substantially rectangular shape.   The dispenser sump according to claim 1, wherein the passage extends vertically from the bottom wall structure to a position close to the dropping opening.   The dispenser sump according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined dripping region has a substantially rectangular shape.   The dispenser sump according to claim 1, wherein the passage is formed by a recess in at least one side wall structure.   The dispenser sump according to claim 1, wherein the recess in the at least one sidewall structure forming the passage includes an opening extending outwardly of the containment structure.   The dispenser sump according to claim 1, wherein the passage extends from a position close to the dropping opening but does not reach a bottom wall structure. A dispenser assembly,
A liquid fluid dispenser comprising:
A housing having an interior area and footprint of a predetermined size and shape;
A liquid fluid dispenser comprising: at least one liquid dispenser component disposed within an interior region of the housing;
A dispenser sump disposed under the housing,
A containment structure including a bottom wall structure and at least one sidewall structure, wherein the bottom wall structure and at least one sidewall structure cooperatively define an internal cavity in the containment structure capable of containing fluid; The at least one sidewall structure further defines a drop opening on an opposite side of the bottom wall structure, the drop opening defining a drop area sized and shaped to correspond to the footprint of the housing, the drop opening A containment structure disposed under the footprint of the housing and operative to receive drips from the at least one liquid dispenser component;
A passage provided to enter a space defined by the containment structure and terminating close to a drip region defined by the drip opening, the passage being separated from an internal cavity of the containment structure. With dispenser sump,
At least one attached communication line extending through the passageway and extending from the containment structure to under the housing footprint to the at least one liquid dispenser component;
A dispenser assembly comprising:   11. The dispenser assembly of claim 10, wherein the passage is formed by a recess in at least one sidewall structure of a containment structure that extends longitudinally from a position below the drip opening to the drip opening.   12. The dispenser assembly of claim 11, wherein the recess forming the passage includes a longitudinal open side extending outwardly of the containment structure.   13. A dispenser assembly according to claim 12, wherein the drip openings defining the footprint and drip area of the housing have a matching square shape and size.   The dispenser assembly according to claim 12, wherein the dripping region and the recess provided to enter the dripping region each have a substantially rectangular shape.   The dispenser assembly according to claim 10, wherein the passage extends vertically from the bottom wall structure to a position proximate to the drip opening.   The dispenser assembly of claim 10, wherein the passage is formed by a recess in at least one sidewall structure.   12. The dispenser assembly of claim 11, wherein the recess in the at least one sidewall structure forming the passage includes an opening extending outwardly of the containment structure.   The dispenser assembly according to claim 10, wherein the passage extends from a position adjacent to the drip opening but does not reach a bottom wall structure. A dispenser sump adapted to accommodate an attached communication line,
A containment structure including a bottom wall structure and at least one sidewall structure, the bottom wall structure and at least one sidewall structure cooperatively defining an internal cavity in the containment structure capable of containing fluid; The sidewall structure further defines a drip opening on the opposite side of the bottom wall structure, the drip opening defining a predetermined drip area for receiving a drip of fluid, the drip opening being a footprint of a fluid treatment component. A containment structure adapted to be placed underneath,
A receiving structure for an attached communication line arranged in the vicinity of the drip opening for receiving the attached communication line arranged outside the storage structure and guiding the attached communication line to a position close to the dropping area. A suitable receiving structure,
Dispenser sump with.

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